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In this episode of the What Now Podcast, relationship expert Matt Townsend joins me for an honest conversation about parenting adult children, rebuilding trust, and learning how to love without being controlling. We discuss the fear parents often feel when children make different choices around faith, relationships, and independence, and how emotional safety, grace, and personal revelation can strengthen families instead of divide them.Matt shares powerful insights on navigating children leaving the Church, financial dependence, broken trust, and difficult family dynamics with more compassion and less fear.
Guest favorite Dr. Kathy Koch joins Arlene to explain the changes that happen when your kids grow up. Dr. Kathy's book Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children walks parents through the hard work of releasing control, grieving unmet expectations, and learning to communicate in ways that actually keep the door open. They cover topics like helicoptering through the teen years, using "I statements" instead of "you statements," staying connected with kids who've walked away from faith, and how to pray through the grief of it all. If your kids are still young, don't skip this episode. It's great to prepare you for the future by preventing common problems in the first place. In this episode, you'll learn: 3:06 Parent as a noun vs. parent as a verb — what changes when kids grow up 4:31 The long-term effects of helicoptering through the teen years 6:20 How to recognize when you're idolizing your kids 9:47 The "Isaac on the altar" release practice — surrendering your adult child to God 13:06 Staying connected with a child who has walked away from faith 15:37 "I statements" vs. "you statements" and why it matters 26:16 The monthly curiosity coffee — how to ask questions that open doors instead of closing them Find out more about Dr. Kathy Koch's ministry and get her book Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children at https://celebratekids.com/ Connect with Dr. Kathy on Instagram and Facebook. More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Let us know what you think about the podcast!Episode 219: Fatherhood After Your Kids Grow Up: Who Are You to Them Now?What happens to fatherhood after your children grow up?When your adult child has a hard day, who do they call? Do they call you, or do they turn to their mom, a friend, a sibling, or someone else? If the honest answer hurts a little, this episode is for you.In this Father's Day episode of Coaching Your Family Relationships, we're talking about the second half of fatherhood. When your kids are young, your role is clearer. You protect, provide, teach, correct, and guide. But when your children become adults, the old fatherhood rulebook stops working. Your adult child does not need you in the same way anymore, but that does not mean they do not need you at all.This episode is for fathers of adult children who want a stronger relationship, but are not always sure how to show up now. We'll talk about emotional distance between fathers and adult children, why some dads keep trying to fix and advise, why others quietly step back, and how a father can become more emotionally present without becoming intrusive.Using a family systems lens, we'll explore how fathers can build connection with adult children by becoming more grounded, differentiated, and emotionally available. This is not about blaming fathers or asking men to become someone they are not. It is about helping fathers understand their role in the family system now, so they can create more trust, more openness, and more real connection.In this episode, you'll learn:· Why fatherhood changes when your children become adults, and why many dads feel unsure about where they fit· How the “old rulebook” of parenting can create distance when adult children need respect, autonomy, and connection· What differentiation means in real life, and how a father can stay grounded when his adult child makes choices he does not understand or agree with· How emotional patterns get passed from one generation to the next, and why it is never too late to change what you are passing forward· Three practical ways fathers can begin rebuilding connection with adult children this week without forcing a big conversationThe second half of fatherhood asks something different from you than the first half did. It asks for less fixing and more presence. Less control and more curiosity. Less emotional distance and more willingness to be known as a real person, not just as “Dad.”If you are a father of adult children, or if you love a father who wants to build a better relationship with his grown kids, this episode will help you think differently about connection, legacy, and what it means to keep showing up.You do not have to do this perfectly. You just have to be willing to become more aware, more grounded, and more present. Because when one person in a family becomes more steady, the whole relationship system can begin to shift. Tina Gosney is the Family Conflict Coach. She works with parents who have families in conflict to help them become the grounded, confident leaders their family needs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you want support putting what you're learning into practice, come join The Connection Community in Bridge to Connection. You'll get step-by-step relationship lessons, practical tools to calm anxiety and reduce conflict, and live monthly coaching calls to help you stay steady and build real connection with your child—especially when things feel tense. Learn more and join at https://www.courageous-connections.com/bridge-to-connection3---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tina is certified in family relationships and a trauma informed coach. Visit tinagosney.com for more information on coaching services.
Click on Fan Mail link and give me feedback. ThanksIn this episode of ABC's Parenting Adult Children podcast, host James Moffitt and guest Dr. Greg Linkowski discuss the complexities of parenting adult children, focusing on themes of resilience, grief, and the transition from authority to mentorship. They share personal stories of loss and the impact of family dynamics on relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-care, personal growth, and the need for parents to adapt their roles as their children become adults. Dr. Linkowski offers insights on navigating these challenges with love, understanding, and support.Richard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system. Parenting Adult Children Call To Action Support the showSocial Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@abcparentingadultchildrenhttps://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerheadABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildrenFeel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.
Do you ever wonder what the best advice is from mid-life coaches? In this podcast I am chatting with two of my great life coach friends, Brooke Onike and Jane Copier, and we are sharing some of the most impactful tools and concepts that we coach our clients on. I think you'll love this one. Thanks for listening! Want to learn more about this concept? Check out these podcasts: #88 Marriage Mending with Jane Copier on Apple on Spotify #96 Understanding the Thought Model on Apple on Spotify #97 Why the Thought Model Matters on Apple on Spotify #99 Parenting Adult Children on Apple on Spotify #103 The Case For Curiosity on Apple on Spotify #122 Your Story About You on Apple on Spotify #123 Your Thoughts About You on Apple on Spotify #141 Coaching & Counseling - What's the Difference? on Apple on Spotify #200 My Most Life-Changing Life Coach Lessons on Apple on Spotify #272 Stay In Your Lane on Apple on Spotify #363 Breaking Your Over- and Under-functioning Cycles with Jane Copier on Apple on Spotify #367 Loving Your Adult Children Better with Brooke Oniki on Apple on Spotify You can find Brooke at https://brookeoniki.com/ Brooke's podcast is called Midlife with Brooke You can find Jane at https://www.jane-copier.com/ Jane's podcast is called Happy in the Middle Are you curious about what it would be like to work with me? Here are three options: Group coaching classes are available at tanyahale.com/groupcoaching Talk with Tanya is a free monthly webinar where you can ask me anything and we can have a great discussion. You can sign up for that at tanyahale.com/groupcoaching Interested in one-on-one coaching and a free 90-minute coaching/consult with me? Access my calendar at: https://tanyahalecalendar.as.me/
Let us know what you think about the podcast!Episode 218: How to Focus on What You Can Control When Family Relationships Are HardWhen a relationship is strained, it's so tempting to think: If I say it the right way… if I do enough… if I stay kind enough… then they'll finally respond the way I need them to. But the truth is, you can't control what someone else thinks, feels, or does. What you can control is how you show up, and that's where change begins.In this episode, you'll learn:How Stephen R. Covey's “Circles” framework helps you sort what you're worried about (concern) from what you can impact (influence) and what you can actually choose (control).The difference between control and influence and why confusing the two often leads to frustration, resentment, and burnout.Why blame, of yourself or others, quietly steals your power and what to do instead when you feel stuck.What “your inputs” really are in a struggling relationship and how to check whether you're expecting something different than what you're planting.A simple journaling question to help you reclaim steadiness and integrity: “Who am I being in the relationship, and how is that in my control?”When you focus on your circle of control, your thoughts, feelings, actions, and relational inputs, you stop chasing the impossible job of managing someone else's inner world. You may not be able to control outcomes, but you can keep planting what aligns with who you want to be. Over time, that steadiness changes you, and it often shifts the relationship more than force ever could. Tina Gosney is the Family Conflict Coach. She works with parents who have families in conflict to help them become the grounded, confident leaders their family needs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you want support putting what you're learning into practice, come join The Connection Community in Bridge to Connection. You'll get step-by-step relationship lessons, practical tools to calm anxiety and reduce conflict, and live monthly coaching calls to help you stay steady and build real connection with your child—especially when things feel tense. Learn more and join at https://www.courageous-connections.com/bridge-to-connection3---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tina is certified in family relationships and a trauma informed coach. Visit tinagosney.com for more information on coaching services.
Send us Fan Mail Nobody warns you about this part of parenting. The kids are older, more independent, and they don't need you the same way they used to — and somehow that is one of the hardest transitions of all. In this episode, I'm sharing Leah Davidson's Building Resilience podcast as part of my Mental Health Awareness Month collaboration with parent coaches. Leah is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Nervous System Resilience Coach, and in this episode, she breaks down why your calm matters more than your advice, how overfunctioning actually creates distance instead of closeness, and what it looks like to parent from regulation instead of reflex. If you have teens or adult children and you've ever felt the pull to fix, rescue, or hold it all together — this one is for you. Leah Davidson is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Nervous System Resilience Coach with over 26 years of experience in brain and nervous system health. She works primarily with women in midlife, helping them understand their changing nervous systems and build resilience from the inside out. She offers small group programs, an online community, international retreats, and an Advanced Training in Nervous System Resilience for coaches and helping professionals who want to go deeper in this work. You can find her here:
How do you maintain a close relationship with your adult children while still setting healthy boundaries?In Episode 151 Jill Lillard explores one of the biggest transitions parents face as their children grow up. Parenting doesn't end when kids become adults, but the relationship does change. That shift often raises new questions about expectations, responsibility, and how to stay connected without trying to control.In this final episode of the Adult Children series, Jill reflects on what healthy closeness can look like in this stage of life. She talks about boundaries when adult children still live at home, how parents think about financial support, and the quiet process of letting go of earlier parenting roles. Jill also shares personal reflections about family traditions and the example her own parents set for raising adult children well.In This Episode• What expectations are reasonable when adult children still live at home• How to balance increased independence with responsibility• Questions parents wrestle with about financial help and support• Why shared traditions can strengthen connection with adult children• How the relationship shifts from authority toward mutual respectKey Takeaways• Parenting changes when children become adults, but the relationship can remain deeply meaningful.• Boundaries help adult relationships stay healthy and respectful.• Letting go often happens through small decisions over time.• Simple traditions and shared experiences help maintain connection.• Friendship can grow alongside the parent-child relationship.Series NoteThis episode concludes the Adult Children series on The Happiest Lives Podcast.There will not be a new episode next week since it's the fifth week of the month. A brand new series will begin the following week.Keywordsparenting adult children, boundaries with adult children, relationship with adult children, letting go as a parent, adult children living at home, family boundariesThe 4 Things You Must Do To Become The Happiest Wife- get FREE access HERE Ready to change your marriage without the exhausting work of trying to control your husband? Sign up for my FREE mini-course, The 4 Things You Must Do To Become The Happiest Wife. Discover ways to work with me at www.thehappiestlives.com or www.myhappyvault.comQuestions? Email Jill directly at Jill@thehappiestlives.com
Click on Fan Mail link and give me feedback. ThanksIn this episode of ABC's Parenting Adult Children podcast, host James Moffitt speaks with US Marine officer and author Olaolu Ogunyemi about the evolving dynamics of parenting adult children. They discuss the critical role fathers play in family life, the importance of emotional presence, and the need to break generational curses. Olaolu shares insights from his personal journey, including his children's books, and emphasizes the significance of being engaged and empathetic as parents. The conversation also touches on practical advice for raising resilient children in a chaotic world, the impact of social media, and the importance of maintaining a strong parent-child connection as children transition into adulthood.Parenting Adult Children Call To Action Richard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system. Support the showSocial Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@abcparentingadultchildrenhttps://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerheadABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildrenFeel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.
Motherhood can deeply shape a woman's mental health, emotions, stress levels, and overall well-being. In this powerful conversation, we discuss the emotional realities of motherhood, parenting grown children, handling difficult behaviors, and understanding when a child may be struggling emotionally instead of simply being labeled as "bad." We also talk about mom burnout, emotional exhaustion, boundaries with adult children, parenting after trauma, and how mothers can protect their peace while still loving their children through difficult seasons. This episode is for mothers navigating stress, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, family conflict, parenting challenges, or the emotional weight that comes with raising children in today's world. Whether you are raising young children, supporting adult children, or trying to rebuild your own mental wellness after trauma, this episode offers encouragement, wisdom, and practical insight to help mothers rise and thrive from the inside out. If you have ever wondered "How does motherhood affect mental health?" "How do I handle a wayward child?" "Why is parenting adult children so stressful?" "How can moms protect their mental health?" "Signs my child needs emotional support" "Mom burnout and emotional exhaustion" "Christian encouragement for struggling moms" or "How trauma affects parenting," this episode was created for you. Hosted by Kay-Kay Smith, your Rise & Thrive guide helping families heal, grow, and rise from the inside out through conversations surrounding motherhood, mental health, trauma, parenting, faith, and emotional wellness. Share, Rate, Subscribe to help someone Rise and Thrive and Rebuild Life After Trauma from the inside out. mental health and motherhood, motherhood and anxiety, mom burnout, emotional exhaustion in mothers, parenting adult children, parenting grown children, difficult child behavior, wayward child help, mental health for moms, motherhood after trauma, Christian motherhood podcast, parenting stress, emotional regulation for moms, family mental health, toxic family relationships, trauma and parenting, healing after trauma, boundaries with adult children, overwhelmed moms, motherhood podcast, mental health awareness, parenting support for mothers, counseling for moms, faith and motherhood, emotional wellness for women, stress in motherhood, how motherhood affects mental health, parenting advice for moms, family therapist parenting advice, childhood trauma and parenting, parenting and emotional health #MentalHealth #Motherhood #MomBurnout #ParentingAdvice #MentalHealthAwareness #MotherhoodJourney #ParentingGrownChildren #ChristianMom #TraumaHealing #EmotionalWellness #FamilyTherapy #WaywardChild #MomsMatter #HealingJourney #RiseAndThrive
What does healing from people-pleasing look like in real life, not just at the beginning, but years later? In this episode, I share my personal story of people-pleasing, where these patterns began for me, how God brought healing, and what it looks like now to live on the “maintenance side” of emotional healing. We talk about fear of abandonment, over-functioning in relationships, parenting adult children, nervous system vigilance, and the ongoing process of learning how to stay grounded in safety and trust instead of falling back into old survival patterns. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN [00:00] What Healing from People-Pleasing Actually Looks Like Over Time [03:00] The Fear Underneath My People-Pleasing Patterns [05:00] How Parenting Adult Children Triggered Old Patterns Again [07:00] Why People-Pleasing Is Really About Safety + Emotional Survival [10:00] The Family Roles That Quietly Shape Identity [13:00] How Childhood Survival Patterns Affect the Nervous System [16:00] The Medical Crisis That Forced Me to Look at These Patterns [19:00] Why Over-Functioning Can Feel Like Love [22:00] The Anchor Analogy God Keeps Bringing Me Back To [25:00] What It Means to Live on the “Maintenance Side” of Healing RESOURCES: The People Pleasing Mindset Makeover is an 8-session one-on-one coaching process designed to help women understand the deeper roots of people-pleasing, rewire unhealthy patterns, and build healthier emotional responses through brain science, biblical truth, and practical tools. Learn more or apply here:
Join Dr. Charli and special Guest Dr. Kathy Koch, author of Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children. The questions go deep in the discussion of changing culture, changing expectations, and redeeming the hope and promise of Christ Jesus to redeem ALL THINGS. Parenting adult children is not easy, but it is completely possible. This podcast will encourage you and bring you solutions that are much needed in almost every family.Active-Faith.orgCharli@active-faith.comBuy Dr. Kathy's book! Visit https://celebratekids.com/
Why does the relationship with your adult children sometimes feel tense or unclear?Many parents expect the relationship with their kids to stay mostly the same as they grow up. But adulthood changes the structure. What worked when they were younger no longer fits the same way.In this episode of The Happiest Lives Podcast, Jill Lillard walks through the natural shift that happens between parents and adult children. Instead of one lifelong dynamic, the relationship moves through stages as roles change and responsibility transfers.Jill explains the transition from parent-to-child to adult-to-adult, including the in-between season often called emerging adulthood—a stage where both parents and young adults are learning how to relate in a new way. She also shares practical ways to stay connected without overstepping or trying to manage your child's decisions.In This Episode• Why the parent-child structure was always meant to change• What “emerging adulthood” is and why it can feel unsettled• How parents can shift from directing to mentoring• Why influence often increases when control decreases• Simple ways to stay connected without managing your adult child's lifeKey Takeaways• The relationship with your child is designed to evolve• The “figuring-it-out” stage is normal for both parents and young adults• Letting go of control often strengthens connection• Respect and trust build a healthier adult-to-adult relationship• You can stay close without taking over responsibilitySeries NoteThis is Episode 3 in the series “Letting Your Adult Children Grow Up.”Keywordsparenting adult children, relationships with adult children, emerging adulthood, boundaries with adult children, Christian parenting, family relationshipsThe 4 Things You Must Do To Become The Happiest Wife- get FREE access HERE Ready to change your marriage without the exhausting work of trying to control your husband? Sign up for my FREE mini-course, The 4 Things You Must Do To Become The Happiest Wife. Discover ways to work with me at www.thehappiestlives.com or www.myhappyvault.comQuestions? Email Jill directly at Jill@thehappiestlives.com
Sometimes, even when we're on our best behavior and doing all the things right to stay in our own lane the other person still doesn't do things the way we want them to, and that can be so frustrating and annoying. And, as a human they get to do it that way. Our job at that point is to learn how to honor and respect their agency to make the choice they want to and figure out how to love more cleanly and unconditionally. It's a challenge to be sure, and it's part of the challenge and anticipated growth in our Heavenly Parent's Plan of Salvation for us. Figuring this out brings us more peace and fulfilment in life than we previously thought possible. Thanks for listening! Want to learn more about this concept? Check out these podcasts: #38 Love is Minding Your Own Business on Apple on Spotify #99 Parenting Adult Children on Apple on Spotify #118 100% Responsibility on Apple on Spotify #153 The Manual on Apple on Spotify #164 How Being in Control is Destroying Your Life on Apple on Spotify #180 Better Relationships With Our Adult Children on Apple on Spotify #191 Why We Seek to Control Others on Apple on Spotify #223 It Really Is All About You on Apple on Spotify #236 None of Your Business on Apple on Spotify #239 How to Own Your Own on Apple on Spotify #257 Other People's Agency on Apple on Spotify #277 Your Spouse Is Not Your Responsibility on Apple on Spotify #304 Personalities, Preferences, and Perspectives on Apple on Spotify #321 Clean Love and Relationships on Apple on Spotify #341 Choosing to Be All In on Apple on Spotify #384 Relational Living on Apple on Spotify #389 The Partnership of Marriage on Apple on Spotify #390 You Can't Fill Their Bucket on Apple on Spotify #395 You Can't Make Them Love You on Apple on Spotify #410 What Staying in Your Own Lane Looks Like on Apple on Spotify Are you curious about what it would be like to work with me? Here are three options: Group coaching classes are available at tanyahale.com/groupcoaching Talk with Tanya is a free monthly webinar where you can ask me anything and we can have a great discussion. You can sign up for that at tanyahale.com/groupcoaching Interested in one-on-one coaching and a free 90-minute coaching/consult with me? Access my calendar at: https://tanyahalecalendar.as.me/
Send Jay comments via textYour Child Isn't the Only One Launching: It's Time for Your Own Re-Envisioning.When Nate Turner's 16-year-old son told him, "It's not too late for your dreams. You've still got time." it was a tectonic shift. Nate had spent decades reverse-engineering a world-class life for his son. From humble beginnings, to international soccer and a PhD from Carnegie Mellon only to realize he had neglected his own Identity Equity.In this high-authority conversation, Nate Turner, creator of The Life Template, joins Jay Ramsden to discuss why "letting kids be kids" is a myth and how parents can move from being the "Manager" to becoming a "Renowned Global Intellectual" in their own right. If you've ever felt like your best years were spent building someone else's foundation, this episode is your blueprint for a strategic second-half pivot.Episode Highlights:The Myth of "Kids Being Kids": Why we are actually raising adults and why every parent needs a "Human Engineering" mindset.Reverse-Design Success: How Nate used a Harvard application as a roadmap to build global competence and humanitarian drive in his son from birth.The 10:00 p.m. Reality Check: Nate shares the vulnerable moment in a Best Buy parking lot when he realized he had no dreams of his own and how he started journaling them into existence.The Life Template Framework: A deep dive into Nate's three pillars: Intellectual Ambition, Global Competence, and Humanitarian Drive.The "Who" Audit: Understanding the three dimensions of who you are and why the only person who defines your success as a parent is the child you raised.Key Takeaways:The North Star: Why you cannot find your "Next" without a GPS destination in mind.Static vs. Dynamic Humanity: Proof that you are not the same person you saw in the mirror yesterday.Backward Design for Empty Nesters: How to apply Nate's engineering principles to your own "Empty Nest Life" to lead the planet better than you found it.Support the showSUPPORT THE MISSION: If this episode provided strategic value, please Follow and Save the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your "Save" helps us reach more families navigating the challenge of change. WORK WITH JAY (1:1 PRIVATE ADVISORY): Move beyond general advice. Jay works with a select number of parents in a 6-month Private Advisory Container to navigate identity recalibration and second act design. Book a Second Act Strategy Session
Have you ever wondered why relationships with adult children can suddenly feel tense—even when everyone cares about each other?Often, the conflict isn't actually about behavior. It's about expectations.Parents carry expectations about communication, holidays, faith, values, and the kind of relationship they imagined having with their children once they were grown. When those expectations go unspoken, disappointment can quietly turn into pressure.In this episode, Jill Lillard explores how expectations shape relationships with adult children and why they sometimes create distance instead of connection. She also talks about the grief many parents experience as their parenting role changes and how learning to release certain expectations can open the door to a new kind of relationship.In This Episode• Why many conflicts with adult children are actually about expectations• How expectations quietly turn into pressure in family relationships• The difference between something that is wrong and something that is simply different• How parents can stay clear about their values without damaging the relationship• The grief that often sits underneath unmet expectationsKey Takeaways• Expectations often shape our reactions more than our children's behavior• Pressure rarely produces closeness or influence• Some differences are simply generational or personal, not moral issues• Grieving the loss of a parenting role can be part of this life stage• Letting go of certain expectations can create space for a deeper adult-to-adult relationshipSeries NoteThis episode is the second installment in the Letting Your Adult Children Grow Up series, where Jill explores how parents can navigate the transition from raising children to relating to them as adults.The 4 Things You Must Do To Become The Happiest Wife- get FREE access HERE Ready to change your marriage without the exhausting work of trying to control your husband? Sign up for my FREE mini-course, The 4 Things You Must Do To Become The Happiest Wife. Discover ways to work with me at www.thehappiestlives.com or www.myhappyvault.comQuestions? Email Jill directly at Jill@thehappiestlives.com
Learning how to stay in your own lane can be tricky because so often what we see as being helpful and kind and of service, is actually getting in someone else's lane. In this podcast we're going to look at over 30 examples of what it looks like to get in other peoples' lanes to help us understand more clearly how tricky it can be and become more aware of and see our own tendencies to stray from our own lane. Thanks for listening! Want to learn more about this concept? Check out these podcasts: #38 Love is Minding Your Own Business on Apple on Spotify #99 Parenting Adult Children on Apple on Spotify #118 100% Responsibility on Apple on Spotify #153 The Manual on Apple on Spotify #164 How Being in Control is Destroying Your Life on Apple on Spotify #180 Better Relationships With Our Adult Children on Apple on Spotify #191 Why We Seek to Control Others on Apple on Spotify #223 It Really Is All About You on Apple on Spotify #236 None of Your Business on Apple on Spotify #239 How to Own Your Own on Apple on Spotify #257 Other People's Agency on Apple on Spotify #277 Your Spouse Is Not Your Responsibility on Apple on Spotify #304 Personalities, Preferences, and Perspectives on Apple on Spotify #390 You Can't Fill Their Bucket on Apple on Spotify Are you curious about what it would be like to work with me? Here are three options: Group coaching classes are available at tanyahale.com/groupcoaching Talk with Tanya is a free monthly webinar where you can ask me anything and we can have a great discussion. You can sign up for that at tanyahale.com/groupcoaching Interested in one-on-one coaching and a free 90-minute coaching/consult with me? Access my calendar at: https://tanyahalecalendar.as.me/
What happens when your child becomes an adult, and the relationship starts to change?Many parents find themselves in this stage without much guidance. The roles shift. Expectations surface. And the relationship often has to be redefined.In this episode, Jill begins a new series on parenting adult children. Instead of starting with teaching, she invited seven women from her VIP group—graduates of The Happiest Lives Academy—to join the conversation.Together, they reflect on what this transition has actually been like as their children move into adulthood.In This Episode• The moment you realize your child is no longer a child• The emotions that surface in this stage of parenting• Expectations you didn't realize you were carrying• The shift from authority to influence• Learning to step back and allow adult children to grow• What parents are still learning in this stageKey Takeaways• Parenting adult children requires a different role than parenting younger kids• Expectations often shape how we respond to our adult children• Letting go of control does not mean letting go of connection• This stage involves both growth and adjustment for parents• Honest reflection helps navigate the transition more intentionallySeries NoteThis episode launches a new 4-part series on Letting Your Adult Children Grow Up and how relationships evolve as children become adults.Keywordsparenting adult children, relationship with adult children, parenting adult kids, letting adult children grow up, parent child relationship changes, Christian parenting relationshipsThe 4 Things You Must Do To Become The Happiest Wife- get FREE access HERE Ready to change your marriage without the exhausting work of trying to control your husband? Sign up for my FREE mini-course, The 4 Things You Must Do To Become The Happiest Wife. Discover ways to work with me at www.thehappiestlives.com or www.myhappyvault.comQuestions? Email Jill directly at Jill@thehappiestlives.com
PRACTICAL Wisdom for Parenting Adult Children with Dr. Gary Chapman (Episode 291) John 15:5 NIV ““I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” *Transcription Below* Dr. Gary Chapman is an experienced and well-respected family counselor, and a well-known author having written more than forty books. He hosts a nationally syndicated radio program, A Love Language Minute, and a Saturday morning program, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, that air on more than 400 stations. The 5 Love Languages, one of Chapman's most popular titles, topped various bestseller charts for years. It has been published in more than 50 languages, sold more than 14 million copies and is currently on the New York Times best-seller list. Dr. Chapman has been directly involved in real-life family counseling for more than 40 years. Dr. Chapman holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in anthropology from Wheaton College and Wake Forest University, respectively. He received his Ph.D. degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has taken postgraduate work at the University of North Carolina and Duke University. Dr. Chapman and his wife, Karolyn, have been married for more than 45 years and reside in Winston- Salem, N.C. The Chapmans have two grown children, Shelley and Derek. 5 Love Languages Website Thank you to Our Sponsor: Midwest Food Bank Questions and Topics We Cover: Are there any other practical things we can be doing now, while our children are still in the home, that ideally sets us up for a healthy relationship once they launch out of our home? For parents approaching the new season of parenting young adults, what are the best practices for navigating this transition? If we do find ourselves in a season where our adult child and maybe his/her family is living with us, what guidelines do you suggest to honor both parties? Previous Episodes of the Savvy Sauce with Dr. Gary Chapman: 85 Five Love Languages with Dr. Gary Chapman 182 Things I Wish I'd Known Before My Child Became a Teenager with Dr. Gary Chapman 191 Friendships Heal Racial Divides with Dr. Clarence Shuler and Dr. Gary Chapman 220 Cultivating Healthy Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman Related Articles: Family Discipleship Tools My 10 Favorite Parenting Books How Can I Enjoy My Kids More? Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.” Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“ Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“ Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” *Transcription* Music: (0:00 - 0:11) Laura Dugger: (0:12 - 2:04) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger. I'm so glad you're here. Thank you to an anonymous donor to Midwest Food Bank, who paid the sponsorship fee in hopes of spreading awareness. Learn more about this amazing nonprofit organization at MidwestFoodBank.org. Dr. Gary Chapman is my amazing returning guest. I'm going to link to his other episodes on The Savvy Sauce, where we've covered a variety of topics, from the five love languages in marriage or in families, parenting teenagers, and just overall creating a loving home and family environment. But today, we're going to actually focus on a later stage of life, parenting adult children. Whenever I get a chance to talk with Dr. Gary Chapman, he just oozes wisdom on every topic that we've covered, and I know you're going to feel the same way after concluding the message today. I've just noticed this theme that anytime I talk to somebody who's a few seasons ahead of me, they consistently said the same thing, that their hardest stage of parenting was parenting adult children. And that shocked me, so I wanted to seek out the wisdom of somebody who's gone before us and bring in this expert who can give us wise counsel so that all of us can delight in parenting well and enjoying all of the seasons. Dr. Gary Chapman is going to do exactly that today. Here's our chat. Welcome back to The Savvy Sauce, Dr. Chapman. Dr. Gary Chapman: (2:04 - 2:07) Well, thank you. I'm delighted to be with you again. Laura Dugger: (2:07 - 2:40) Well, our main topic for today is going to be about parenting adult children, especially after completing your amazing resource. But I think it'd first be helpful to back up a little bit and just have you share how we can be proactive now while our children are still in the home. If we're hoping to have wonderful relationships when we launch our children, when they're grown adults. So, can you just start off by sharing the dangers of both under-parenting and over-parenting? Dr. Gary Chapman: (2:41 - 7:35) Well, I think, first of all, as parents, we have to keep in mind we have 18 years. Because in our culture at 18, they're typically going to college, get a job or join the military. So, we have to be thinking independence. That is doing everything we can to help them to be able to take care of themselves. And when we're not around. So, first of all, I think it means that we need to make sure we are expressing love to them in a way that's meaningful to them. That our children feel loved. I've often said to parents, the question is not, do you love your children? The question is, do your children feel loved? And that's where the five love languages of children and the five-love language of teenagers has helped so many parents realize what makes one child feel loved doesn't make another child feel loved. So, you have to discover their love language and on a regular basis be speaking that love language to them. I think another factor is that I would encourage parents, especially if they're in the teenage years or 10 and up, have maybe once a month have breakfast with one child. Take them out to breakfast, just one child, so that you can talk about whatever they want to talk about. And you can talk about whatever you want to talk about. But if they know that that's a part of life and that's where they can ask you questions when nobody's around, and you can have conversations with them. I just found that with my own kids. That was great. And they say to me, they look back on that as a very positive experience, is having that individual time with me. Of course, we only had two children. Now, if you have five children, and I only did it once a month, but five once a month would be every week, I guess. But it's just an idea. But I think if they feel loved, and they feel like that we're a safe place where they can talk about and ask questions about things, and we can talk openly, that's a big part of getting them ready. The other thing that I've suggested to couples is, what if you make a list? And if your children are 10 or up, let them help you make a list of all the things they would like to know how to do by the time they're 18. And some of them may say, well, I'd like to learn how to cook, or I'd like to learn how to boil eggs. Or I might like to learn how to take a tire off of my car, put it back on, put the spare on. Amazing, you know, what they might want to do. And that may vary with each child. But you ought to think in terms of what would you like for them to be able to do. And then you want to be working on those things while they're still with you. If you want them to be able to make up their own bed, you can start that at five years old. You know, by the time they get to be 18, they got it down. If you don't want them to know how to make up a bed, then they're going to go to college and never make up a bed. And they're going to get married and never make up a bed. And if they marry somebody that thinks a bed ought to be made up, then they got a conflict. So, it can be little things like that. But I do think that for most parents, they would hope that the children will learn a little bit about cooking. You know, because we have to eat. And it's an advantage. Anybody that gets married is happy if they marry somebody that knows how to cook. Whether it's the husband or the wife. So, I think that's a huge issue. But keeping the flow of communication open with the children so that they feel like they're safe with you. That they can communicate with you. That is huge. And I'll be very honest; there are a lot of parents that don't do that. They're so involved in their work and in other activities that they don't really talk with their kids very much. You know, they might watch a ball game together or something, but they don't really talk about life. And consequently, when the kids go off and they don't feel a real attachment to you, they're far more out there on their own now. And they're likely going to have more problems than if they had a close connection with you. Because if they have a close connection, even in college, they'll ask you questions. They'll communicate with you. And communication is the lifeblood of relationship. So, anything you can do to foster that. Wonderful. Laura Dugger: (7:37 - 8:03) So great. I love those practical tips for what we can be doing now. And I'm just curious, with all of your travels and speaking around the world, and throughout the decades, just seeing changes, do you have any caution for parents of what to avoid or even what to focus on currently to set them up well for their relationship in the future with their adult child? Dr. Gary Chapman: (8:04 - 10:42) I think one is talking to them about what they think they might like to do when they grow up. Having those kinds of conversations. And what that might look like. Because our daughter, for example, when she was eight years old, said to us, “When I grow up, I'm going to be a doctor.” And we said, “Well, honey, if that's what God wants, then that would be fine.” But in high school, she took four years of Latin. Three years of chemistry in high school. She was serious. And so, if they say they want to be something, then you have to help them think about what kind of requirements would that be to do what you're thinking about doing. And another thing would be to, in high school, let them have conversations with somebody that you might know in your church or your circle that does that. If they think they'd like to be a businessperson, for example, or sell cars, or run a business, or try to have a conversation. And most adults who are in a business or who are doing anything, they'd be happy to talk to a teenager that thinks they'd like to do this. And that person can give them great advice in terms of what you might be doing now in high school and what you might do if you go to college and all that sort of thing. So, I think because vocation is a huge part of life. And I think the other thing, of course, is we need to be sharing our faith. If we're Christians, we need to be sharing our faith with them. And to me, that means things like the very beginning, as early as you can start it, having a devotional time for the whole family every night. And what my wife and I did when they're just all the way along, one of us would go to the bed with them when we put them to bed and get on our knees beside the bed and pray with them. And if they get older, then they start praying. But when they see when we teach them our faith, and of course, having them involved in a church and all that sort of thing is so very helpful to kids. And in the teenage years, for them to have a place to go and do things with other Christian kids. Again, you know, the church can't raise kids. That's our responsibility. But the church can be a real source of help with our children, where they can interface and have other people that are teaching them things about God and about life. So, all of that, I think, is important. Laura Dugger: (10:43 - 11:22) I love that. I'm hearing themes of open communication both ways, where we're sharing and imparting and discipling, but they're also expressing their wants or needs or desires. And I think also a theme of purpose, instilling purpose in them, which gives a great vision for long term. But now let's speak to parents who are approaching this new season of maybe their teenager turning 18 or moving out. And now the parents are finding themselves transitioning to parenting young adults. So, what are the best practices for navigating this transitional season? Dr. Gary Chapman: (11:23 - 15:48) Well, that's why I wrote this book. Because a lot of parents' struggle. And some over parent, you know, after they moved out, they over parent. They want to keep talking with them every single day and tell them what they ought to be doing and all that kind of stuff. And the child feels like, you know, I can do some things on my own, you know. And then some are under parent. They just, if they go to college, they go to college. They might talk to them once a week or something, you know. So, I think we have to just think in terms of what feels good for the child, you know. Because you to call them when you don't know their schedule, you probably have a hard time. Far better to ask them, how would you like to talk for us to talk? And when would be a good time in your schedule that you could call us, you know. So, I think working out some things about how much contact we're going to have because they want a sense of freedom. And they should have. And we've been training them for independence. So, but we also want to keep in contact with them. We want to, you know, have some ongoing time with them. And depending on now many times today, they're living at home while they go to college. So, you have an extended opportunity. To have an influence on their lives. But that's where you have to talk about, now what's our pattern going to be? Because you're going off to college, but you're going to be coming home every night to be here. And we're happy about that, you know. If that's what you want to do. Obviously it's saving money for the parents because they don't have to pay for a dorm room. So, but we talk about, you know, can we agree on kind of a bedtime? Because if you're out at one o'clock, you know, I have a hard time sleeping. Because you just, you know, I think, wonder what's happened to them, you know. So, could we have a kind of a set time that you shoot to be home? And if you realize there's something turned up, you would call me. You call one of us and say, you know, I know I normally get home at whatever time, but right now this is what's happened. So, I need to do this and all. Okay, honey, okay. That's fine. You don't want to over control them. But if you're going to be home, you have to think about yourself as well as them. Because you've got a life to live. Your life has to go on while they're developing their new lifestyle. So, I think conversations again, it's really important at that stage of life. And keeping in contact but not over controlling them. And I'd say make suggestions rather than like giving your advice. You know, just to say, you know, you ought to do this. Or maybe now they're looking for a job, you know. And you say, well, you ought to get that, you ought to get that resume sent in today if you want to get a job. And now you're putting pressure on them, you know. But you could say just as easily, you know, one suggestion that I'd suggest that you think about is maybe getting in your application as soon as possible. Because probably the sooner you get it in, the more likely you might, you know, be able to get the job. So rather than telling them what they need to do, make suggestions rather than demands. Because again, we want to foster independence. We don't want to control their lives. We want them to be free to make decisions. But if they ask advice, it's fine. Give them advice if they ask advice. If they don't, it's okay to give them a suggestion. But give it as a suggestion, not as something, well, you ought to do this, you know. So, we don't want to over-control them. Otherwise, we're really going to push them away. No young person wants to be over-controlled by their parents. And yet, they need our input. And if we have a positive relationship, they'll probably ask us for our input, you know. It's a good relationship. Laura Dugger: (15:50 - 17:50) I think that really requires humility on both sides. And that's great and worthwhile to cultivate that in any phase of life. And now a brief message from our sponsor. Midwest Food Bank exists to provide industry-leading food relief to those in need while feeding them spiritually. They are a food charity with a desire to demonstrate God's love by providing help to those in need. Unlike other parts of the world where there's not enough food, in America, the resources actually do exist. That's why food pantries and food banks like Midwest Food Bank are so important. The goods that they deliver to their agency partners help to supplement the food supply for families and individuals across our country, aiding those whose resources are beyond stretched. Midwest Food Bank also supports people globally through their locations in Haiti and East Africa which are some of the areas hardest hit by hunger arising from poverty. This ministry reaches millions of people every year and thanks to the Lord's provision, 99% of every donation goes directly toward providing food to people in need. The remaining 1% of income is used for fundraising, costs of leadership, oversight, and other administrative expenses. Donations, volunteers, and prayers are always appreciated for Midwest Food Bank. To learn more, visit MidwestFoodBank.org or listen to episode 83 of The Savvy Sauce where the founder, David Kieser, shares miracles of God that he's witnessed through this nonprofit organization. I hope you check them out today. Also, Dr. Chapman, have you noticed any universal challenges or frustrations from both sides, from adult children and the parents who have raised them just in that phase of life, maybe things that we can be prepared for? Dr. Gary Chapman: (17:50 - 23:36) Yeah. Well, I think one thing is that there are a lot of young adults who feel like their parents are trying to control their lives and that's not a positive thing. I think there are a lot of parents that are very disturbed over the decisions their young adult children are making. And this is hard. I can understand that. It's hard. When you see them, for example, telling you, I've decided not to go to church this semester or I've decided, I don't think I want to go to church anymore. Well, you come down hard on them and say, now, da-da-da, da-da-da, da-da-da. You're just pushing them away. Far better to ask questions. That's interesting, honey. What leads you to say that? And then just keep asking questions. Keep asking questions. And then I think we have to do what God does. We have to give them freedom. And we can honestly say, after we've listened to them and they tell us why, we can say, well, you know, it's your decision, honey. I mean, you're an adult now and it's your decision. You know that. I'm not real happy about it, but it's your life. And, you know, again, whatever kind of relationship you've had with them spiritually and how you shared with them spiritually is going to have an impact here. But I think parents have a hard time when their children make decisions that hurt them. You know whether it's moral decisions or whether it's spiritual decisions or whatever the decision. But what we don't want to do is cut them off. Because if we say, “Well, if that's the lifestyle you're going to live, I don't want you in my house anymore.” And there are parents that have said those kinds of things. Now you've lost all opportunity to have a positive influence on them. And it was your choice. Now, if they break off from you, and this happens a lot too, where a parent, a child is deciding a lifestyle that they know their parents don't like. And the parents have come down on them really hard. And every time they get together, they're preaching them a sermon. And the adult child says, well, I'm just not going to have contact with you. Every time I come home, you're on my case. I'm not going to answer your phone. And I'm not going to answer your text. Well, again, we can't keep them from doing that. But what we want to do is to try to keep the relationship open and not demanding things of them so that they won't cut us off. Because if they cut us off or we cut them off, we've lost opportunity to have an impact on their lives. So even if we disagree with them, and as I said, “God gives his children freedom. If you want to disobey God, you can. You'll suffer the consequences, but you can.” And we have to give them the same freedom. And we can say things like, honey, it hurts me that you're choosing to do that. But I want you to know that I love you. And I will love you no matter what. And I will pray for you. I love you. And if you ever want to talk further about this, I'd be happy to talk further with you. But I love you, even though I disagree, obviously, with what you're choosing. But that kind of approach is far healthier. And chances are, listen, the prodigal son's father didn't go out there trying to bring him back. He waited till God brought his son to the pig pen. And if they're making poor decisions, they're going to end up in the pig pen. But now, they've got a picture in their mind of a parent who loved them. And they do what the prodigal son did. I'd be better off working on the farm at home than out here in the pig pen. And they come home. And, you know, they come home often with regret. And then we receive them back. And now we're reunited. Now we've got another chance here. But I think as parents, you know, we're so concerned. And I understand that. And we should be concerned. And we want them to make wise decisions and make lifestyle choices that we know are healthy and we know are right. And it breaks our heart when they're not. But because out of our pain, we often make poor decisions ourselves. You know, we retreat them in a way that's negative and condemning and demanding. And so, they walk away. Far better to express the truth about how you feel. They already know they're hurting you. But you express it to them. But you let them know I love you and I will always love you no matter what you do. Now you've kept the door open. Laura Dugger: (23:38 - 24:01) And I think the fruit of the spirit that really stands out in that response is gentleness and that that would go a long way. But also, if we are at that phase of parenting adult children, a lot of times around that time comes grandparenting as well. So, do you have any wise counsel for grandparents? Dr. Gary Chapman: (24:02 - 27:21) Yeah, I would say. And again, a lot depends on how close you are physically. If you live in North Carolina where I live and your grandkids live in Portland, Oregon, that's one thing, you know. But if you live in the same town as a grandparent, you might be keeping them after school when they get out of school. You know, the kids, you were keeping them. Now they're, you know, of course, they grow up. But I think grandparents can play a key role in the lives of children. And the earlier it starts, the better. And even if they do live far away, you can still have contact. Now we can do FaceTime. We can see them. They can see us. You know, you can do that when they're four years old or three years old. So, I think having that kind of contact if they live away from you is really, really good. And you can even play games, you know, online with them at different stages and all. So, the more you do when they're little to build a bond between them, the more likely they are when they get older to keep in contact with you. For example, my granddaughter, who is 25 now, she calls her grandmother, my wife, she calls her every Sunday afternoon at three o'clock. And if she, if something in her work schedule or whatever doesn't allow it, she'll send her a text and say, Grandma, I can't call you at three today, but I'm going to call you at five because of da-da-da-da-da. That's absolutely wonderful, you know. And so, I think we build that relationship when they're young and chances are as grandparents, then we will have a positive contact with them as they grow up in the future. And again, we're not, we have to remember as grandparents, two things. Number one, I'm not the parent. The parents are the ones who set the rules. But I am a grandparent. And so, when they're at my house, I'm not going to violate the parent's rules. Whatever the rules are of the parents, that's okay. But we're going to do some things, you know, when we're together that maybe your parents don't do with you. Maybe they don't take walks. Maybe they don't take you to the park. Again, depending on the age, you know. But if you live close as they grow up, you try to stay involved in their activities. If they're into sports or if they're in a play at school, as grandparents, you try to go to those things, you know, which communicates to them, man, they care about me. So, the more you can be involved in their lives when they're young, the better the chances are that you will have a positive relationship with them when they get to be adults. And again, I think grandparents can have a tremendous impact on their grandchildren. Laura Dugger: (27:22 - 28:34) I completely agree and it's fascinating sometimes to see the same lesson that we're trying to teach as parents. Sometimes it just takes one grandparent to reiterate that or to share it and it clicks for our kids. So, there is a supernatural, even anointing, it seems, on that relationship. Do you love The Savvy Sauce? Do you gain anything when you listen? Did you know that the two ways we earn money to keep this podcast live is through generous contributions from listeners? And from our paying sponsors? That means we can promote your business and you're still supporting The Savvy Sauce. It's a win-win. Please email us today at info at the SavvySauce.com to inquire about pricing for sponsoring each episode. Thank you for your consideration. Is there also any research that you've come across for factors that set adult children up well to be healthy in their relationships and independent from relying on their parents and just well-adjusted overall? Dr. Gary Chapman: (28:35 - 32:49) You know, I don't know specific research percentages and that sort of thing, but I do know that there's an awful lot of young adults today that are not mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally healthy. And there's a lot of reasons for that because many young adults have grown up in homes where their parents divorced and that's had a tremendous impact on them. And loneliness is a pandemic on college campuses today all over the country where the students feel isolated. They don't have not made friends at the university and they don't know how to have relationships. Many times, they've been on the cell phone and online. Their whole life is connected to the screen and they don't know, they don't have social skills. They don't know how to have conversations. So, which is really sad. And sometimes grandparents can step in when parents maybe, you know, are for whatever reason not stepping in. Sometimes, of course, one of the parents has died. Sometimes one of the parents has problems that limit what they can do. And grandparents can step in and be an adult figure who relates to this young adult and has an open door at their house. You can always come to grandma's, you know, that kind of thing. So, it's a troubled, it's a troubled world for young adults today. And many times, they have a hard time getting a job and they move back home with their parents. And, and because many of them can't afford an apartment. So, if they get a job, you know, and they can come back home and live with the parents, that's going to help them and make it possible for them to survive. And so, as parents, even though, you know, we all think of a time that we're going to have an empty nest, when they come back, see it as another opportunity just to have a positive impact on them. But I would suggest that when they move back in that situation, you have conversations from the very beginning on how can we organize this now because you're an adult now. It's not like you're a child. But how can we organize it so that it's good for everybody and so that, you know, you feel good about it, we feel good about it. Now, we're not going to charge you rent because we know that's, you know, but you are going to be back in the family now. So, let's think in terms of like, you know, what kind of chores could you do that would be helpful to us? And what can we do that would be helpful to you? And let's talk about schedules and, you know, just talk about whatever you can think that you'd like to discuss so that each of you have an idea of how this is going to work rather than nobody talking about it, but the parents have ideas of what it ought to be like, but the adult child has ideas of what it ought to be like and they're different. And so, you end up in conflict with each other. Far better to have open conversations to start with . And we can change it if we need to. We can talk about it again in two months and see if it's working or not working. But this is also teaching them a skill on how to relate to people because all of life they're going to be relating to people. So, that can be a positive thing and not a negative thing. But, again, sometimes this becomes real contentious because the parents pictured one thing, the young adult pictures another thing, and it becomes an adversarial kind of situation. Laura Dugger: (32:51 - 33:43) Well, and you even address that in your book. You share some guidelines for both parties. And so, I'll list these off. Feel free to elaborate if there are any that you want to say more about. But you recommend clarifying those expectations and maintaining open communication, balancing freedom and responsibility, honoring your moral values I think you give, for instance, if you're a Christian and your adult child does not want to go to church or have their children go to church, how to navigate that, considering your own physical and mental health, setting time limits and goals, being pleasant and firm, and then you also talk about how to deal with anger. So, is there anything you'd want to elaborate on that? Dr. Gary Chapman: (33:43 - 37:16) I think all of those things are important. You know, just remember now, as parents, it is your house and your moral values, you know, you want to have them respect that. For example, if you do not do alcohol at all, you need to say to them, now honey, you know that we don't drink alcohol if you think they do. So, don't bring alcohol in the home. Okay? Can we just agree on that? If you drink a beer, that's you, somewhere else, but don't do it here because we just don't like that. You know, that's fine. It's your house. They're adults. So, and they'll respect that. They'll respect that. So, I think, you know, and again, you just say, we're not going to make you go to church because you're an adult. That's your decision. If you would like to go to church, you know, there is a young adult group at our church that I think you might fit into and you might feel good about. You know, you can try it out and see what you think. Or if you have a church that doesn't offer that, you can say, you know, I don't think our church has a young adult group, but there is a church in town that I understand has a really good young adult group. So, you might want to visit that church and kind of plug into that and see what you think. You know, so we're not, again, demanding that they, you know, go to our church with us every Sunday, but we are trying to help them and give them some possibilities, you know, what they might do. So, all those things are really important. And I think setting some limits and goals also to say, how long do you think it might be before, I know you want to, I know you want to be independent. Someday you may want to get married. I don't know, but how long do you think it might take before you would, you know, be able to, you know, find your own place or whatever? It doesn't matter to us, but I'm just thinking out loud with you so we can all kind of have some goals and things that we can have in the back of our minds. We can change them later if we want to but talking to those kinds of things like that is helpful because both of you then have a framework in which to, you know, and maybe they're coming back. Maybe they drop out of college and they're back home because they don't have a job. They don't have anywhere to go. And so to talk about, you know, maybe what could be done while you are here that might prepare you for a job, you know, and let them share the kind of job they might have an interest in and then see if there's a local technical school that's teaching, you know, people how to do that particular thing, you know, find out about it and say, well, you know, this course is available and we would be willing to pay for it if you'd be interested in doing that because if you have an interest, I understand it's a really good school and you're far more likely to get a job if you've had the training that they give over there, you know. So it may just be a year-long thing for, you know, training just one year, but helping them if they're struggling socially or relationally, mentally, then try to find whatever helps available in the community that they might plug into that could help them move toward being independent. Laura Dugger: (37:16 - 37:38) I love that. Reaching maturity, independence, and then also you really did focus on the parents, the importance of them taking care of themselves and their marital relationship because that will change the dynamic if an adult child moves back in or if they move back in with their kids. Dr. Gary Chapman: (37:38 - 38:59) Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. It's very different and I think as the parents, we don't want to spend time with each other silent, I mean, personally arguing with each other, you know, I just don't think we ought to do this now, you know. Listen, listen, we're a team and this is our child. So, let's talk about what we're going to do. If we don't do it, what are we going to do? We're going to let them live on the street. We're going to send them to the rescue mission. What are our options, you know, and what is the Christian thing to do? So yeah, we likely will have different ideas. Husbands and wives will have different ideas of what we ought to do in those kinds of situations, but let's respect each other's ideas. Let's listen and try to see the world through their eyes and say, okay, I can see what you're saying. I can see how that makes sense. And then, okay, how can we solve the problem? Because we want to be a team. We want to keep our marriage growing. We don't want this to be a divisive thing in our marriage because we hope down the road they're going to be on their own, but we want our marriage to be good now and then, you know. Laura Dugger: (39:00 - 39:12) So, to sum up this time together, do you have any additional words of encouragement or helpful do's and don'ts as we navigate this new part of parenting? Dr. Gary Chapman: (39:14 - 42:07) I think one thing I would say to Christian parents is pray. The Bible says if you lack wisdom, ask God for wisdom. And all of us need wisdom. And so, you just say, God, you know the situation, you know where we are, and we need your wisdom. You know we have our thoughts and our ideas, but what we really want to do is what is best in this situation for our child and for us. And we know that you can give us wisdom. And the second thing I would say is read a book such as the one we're discussing. Because we're dealing with many common things in this. Read a book together about it. And then, also talk to other parents maybe in your church, who have adult children who are moving home or whatever the situation is. And see how they're handling it. Because, you know, they may have found some things and discovered some things that would be very helpful to you. Sometimes parents want to hide what's going on, especially if their child is making decisions and living a lifestyle that they don't want them to be living. They don't want to tell their friends about it. Because they think it puts them down as parents, that we failed, you know. And I like to say to those parents, because many times here's what the parents say to me when their child is making a lifestyle decision that's not biblical. They'll say, Dr. Chapman, what did we do wrong? And I say, well, ask God if you did anything wrong. God will tell you. And if you did, you can apologize. You can confess it to God. You can apologize to your adult child. But let me remind you of this. God's first two children went wrong, and they had a perfect father. So don't blame yourself for the decisions your adult children are making. Yes, none of us are perfect. And maybe you made some real bad decisions. Then apologize to your adult child. But don't just assume that you are responsible for what they're doing. God makes his children free. And as you know, a lot of God's children make poor decisions. God still loves them. And if they repent, God will forgive them. But they suffer the consequences. Anytime we violate God's plans, we have to suffer. There are consequences. So, yeah, those are just some of the things I would say to parents. But I do think that they'll find this book to be very helpful. It's very practical. And I think they'll find it to be very helpful. Laura Dugger: (42:08 - 42:24) Your teaching is always full of wisdom, full of practicality. And this isn't the only topic that you've written about or spoken about. And so where would you like to direct us after this chat so that we can learn more from all of your teaching? Dr. Gary Chapman: (42:25 - 42:59) I would say go to the website 5lovelanguages.com. The number 5 and lovelanguages.com. And there you will find resources, all my books and so forth. You can receive a weekly email from me if you like. And you can take a quiz on the love languages and other things. Just a lot of help at that website. My publisher actually runs that website for me. But it's very, very helpful. So, you know, that's where I would encourage them to go. Laura Dugger: (43:00 - 43:19) Wonderful. We'll add that link in the show notes for today's episode. And Dr. Chapman, you've been a repeat guest. So, you're familiar that we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, what is your savvy sauce? Dr. Gary Chapman: (43:22 - 44:41) I would say recognize the truth of what Jesus said as recorded in Matthew chapter 15, and verse 5. I think I'm right about that. Where he said, “I'm the vine. You're the branches. You stay connected to me. You bear fruit. Without me, you can do nothing.” So just recognize your dependence on God. We may know a lot about a few things, but there's a whole bunch of stuff we don't know much about. So just realize if you stay connected to God, have a daily quiet time with God in which you sit down and read a chapter in the Bible and ask God to speak to you. Or read a devotional book every morning with Scripture. You stay connected closely to God; you're going to bear fruit. And tell God, without you, Lord, I can't do anything worthwhile. We won't. We can't do anything. He gives us breath. We could be gone tomorrow. I can't do it without you. I need your help. I need your wisdom. So, you stay connected closely to God. You're going to not only survive, you're going to thrive. Laura Dugger: (44:42 - 45:13) Well said. And it's great to witness someone who has been abiding in Christ and we're getting to enjoy that sweet fruit from the overflow of even your lifestyle and your guidance and your wisdom, Dr. Chapman. So, it's always such a joy to get to talk to you. And I think my heart rate slows down every time we're having a conversation. You're so calm and peaceful. And I just really am grateful for you and appreciate you. So, thank you for being my guest. Dr. Gary Chapman: (45:14 - 45:25) Well, thank you. I always enjoy chatting with you. And thanks for what you're doing. Because, you know, we take whatever we've got and try to help other people. And you're doing that. So, keep up the good work. Laura Dugger: (45:25 - 48:42) Thank you. One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you. But it starts with the bad news. Every single one of us were born sinners. But Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved. We need a Savior. But God loved us so much He made a way for His only Son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with Him. That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin. This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished if we choose to receive what He has done for us. Romans 10.9 says that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved. So would you pray with me now? Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today, right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to You. Will You clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare You as Lord of their life? We trust You to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. If you prayed that prayer you are declaring Him for me so me for Him. You get the opportunity to live your life for Him. And at this podcast, we're called the Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So you ready to get started? First, tell someone. Say it out loud. Get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes & Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it. You can start by reading the Book of John. Also, get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you. We want to celebrate with you too, so feel free to leave a comment for us here if you did make a decision to follow Christ. We also have show notes included where you can read Scripture that describes this process. And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15 10 says, In the same way I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. The heavens are praising with you for your decision today. And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved, and I look forward to meeting you here next time.
In this episode we explore the idea of staying in your own lane—taking responsibility for your own feelings, choices, and boundaries rather than trying to control or fix others. Though it can be easy to want to be 'helpful', when we invade others' responsibilities we risk creating resentment and undermining intimacy. So let's talk about some practical strategies to stop overstepping, set clear boundaries, and communicate from your own experience. Healthier relationships grow when partners honor each other's agency and do their own internal work, so let's practice staying in your own lane to build trust, autonomy, and deeper connection. Thanks for listening! Want to learn more about this concept? Check out these podcasts: #38 Love is Minding Your Own Business on Apple on Spotify #99 Parenting Adult Children on Apple on Spotify #118 100% Responsibility on Apple on Spotify #153 The Manual on Apple on Spotify #164 How Being in Control is Destroying Your Life on Apple on Spotify #180 Better Relationships With Our Adult Children on Apple on Spotify #191 Why We Seek to Control Others on Apple on Spotify #223 It Really Is All About You on Apple on Spotify #236 None of Your Business on Apple on Spotify #257 Other People's Agency on Apple on Spotify #277 Your Spouse Is Not Your Responsibility on Apple on Spotify #304 Personalities, Preferences, and Perspectives on Apple on Spotify #390 You Can't Fill Their Bucket on Apple on Spotify Are you curious about what it would be like to work with me? Here are three options: Group coaching classes are available at tanyahale.com/groupcoaching Talk with Tanya is a free monthly webinar where you can ask me anything and we can have a great discussion. You can sign up for that at tanyahale.com/groupcoaching Interested in a free 90-minute coaching/consult with me? Access my calendar at: https://tanyahalecalendar.as.me/
Click on Fan Mail link and give me feedback. Thanksn this episode of ABC's Parenting Adult Children, host James Moffitt speaks with Jennifer Chase, a certified life coach with personal experience in addiction and recovery. They discuss the complexities of parenting adult children, particularly those struggling with addiction. Jennifer shares her journey through addiction, the impact it had on her family, and the lessons learned in recovery. The conversation delves into misconceptions about addiction, the importance of setting boundaries, and the need for compassion and understanding in the face of addiction. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the significance of personal growth, healing, and the evolving nature of parenting as children transition into adulthood.TakeawaysJennifer's journey highlights the deep personal impact of addiction.Understanding addiction requires empathy and recognizing underlying issues.Setting rigid boundaries is crucial when dealing with addiction.Recovery is a personal journey that affects the entire family.Compassion for those struggling with addiction is essential.Codependency can exacerbate addiction issues within families.Parents must allow their children to experience discomfort for growth.Finding peace is possible regardless of a loved one's recovery status.Individualized parenting approaches are necessary for different children.Perfection is not required in parenting or recovery.Parenting Adult Children Call To Action Richard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system. Support the showSocial Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@abcparentingadultchildrenhttps://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerheadABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildrenFeel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.
This episode gives parents of adults with borderline personality disorder insights into the experience of parenting someone with BPD and strategies for supporting their children. When your child struggles with intense emotions, it's heartbreaking for any parent. But when you're a parent of an adult child with borderline personality disorder (BPD), you're walking on eggshells trying not to make things worse. In this episode, Dr. Kibby shares powerful, research-backed strategies for parents of grown children with intense emotions, revealing how your approach can prevent crises from escalating and rebuild vital connections.You'll discover why family dynamics often reinforce emotional storms, and how shifting your perspective can de-escalate fights before they explode. Dr. Kibby breaks down practical, compassionate tools like validation, boundary-setting, and safety planning—skills that empower you to stay calm and present, even when your loved one is in chaos. Plus, she reveals why involving the whole family system is essential, not just the individual with BPD, and how to handle crisis moments like threats or self-harm without reinforcing harmful behaviors. We'll also explore the impact of trauma, shame, and guilt that parents carry and how your own mental health is intertwined with theirs. If you're exhausted by cycles of overwhelm, blame, or hopelessness, this episode is your guide to navigating the unthinkable with clarity and kindness. Perfect for parents, partners, or anyone supporting someone with borderline or emotional dysregulation.Resources:Join KulaMind, Dr. Kibby's support program for parents and partners of people with BPDBook: Stop Walking on Eggshells for Parents: How to Help Your Child (of Any Age) with Borderline Personality Disorder without Losing Yourself
Welcome back to the Smiling Homeschooler podcast. This week, we're talking about one of the biggest shifts in parenting, which is what it looks like to move from being in control when our kids are little to slowly letting go as they grow into adulthood. We discuss the tension of parenting older kids, learning when to speak and when to stay quiet, and what it really means to “pass the baton” while maintaining the relationship. Even if you don't have adult kids yet, this is such an important conversation because the way we parent now lays the groundwork for those future relationships. It was a great conversation, and we hope you enjoy! Before we start, we want to thank Teaching Textbooks for all of their support of the Smiling Homeschooler. They are the math curriculum our family uses, and it has helped us smile more, and we think it will do the same for your family. Go support them and check out a free trial over at teachingtextbooks.com Today's show is underwritten by Samaritan Ministries and redeemhealthshare, where members are committed to honoring Christ through a community of Christians that pay one another's medical bill. Redeem Health Share helps families take a safe step of faith as they feel God's Leading in career or ministry changes or in bringing mom home. You can learn more here https://hubs.ly/Q03VZL7B0 about REDEEM HealthShare by Samaritan Ministries Have a great week and don't forget to smile!
Welcome to the Heal and Restore Podcast with Randy and Cathy Boyd—where we dive into real conversations that help you heal, grow, and strengthen your relationships.In today's meaningful episode, “Parenting Adult Children with Boundaries,” we're addressing a challenge many parents face but few feel fully prepared for—how to stay connected to your adult children while also establishing healthy, necessary boundaries.Parenting doesn't end when your children grow up—it simply changes. And for many, that transition can bring confusion, tension, and even emotional strain. You may find yourself wanting to help, protect, or stay involved, yet feeling overwhelmed, taken for granted, or unsure where your role begins and ends.In this episode, we unpack what healthy boundaries look like in relationships with adult children, why they are essential for both you and them, and how the absence of boundaries can lead to frustration, resentment, and disconnection. We'll also share practical, compassionate ways to communicate limits while preserving love, respect, and relationship.If you've ever struggled with knowing when to step in, when to step back, or how to maintain peace without losing yourself—this conversation is for you.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of ABC's of Parenting Adult Children, host James Moffitt speaks with Russell VanBrocklin, an expert in helping parents navigate the challenges of raising dyslexic children. Russell shares his personal journey with dyslexia and how it shaped his approach to education. He discusses the importance of focusing on a child's specialty, the craft of research, and innovative strategies to foster confidence and engagement in dyslexic learners. The conversation emphasizes the need for a tailored approach to education that prioritizes individual strengths and interests, ultimately leading to success in both academic and professional settings.TakeawaysRussell's personal experience with dyslexia informs his approach to education.Dyslexic students often excel when focusing on their areas of interest.The craft of research is crucial for academic success.Engagement in a child's specialty can lead to significant improvements in learning.Structured literacy methods may not be as effective as tailored approaches.Parents can play a vital role in their child's educational journey.Dyslexic students need to be taught from specific to general concepts.Confidence in dyslexic children can be fostered through targeted strategies.The importance of passion in learning cannot be overstated.Older dyslexic students often learn faster than younger ones. Sound bites"It's all very simple for me to teach your wife.""You can do this. This is not that complicated.""You have to teach them from the specific to the general."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Parenting Adult Children02:46 Russell's Journey with Dyslexia05:40 The Impact of Education on Dyslexic Students08:25 Understanding Dyslexia and Its Challenges10:51 Crafting Research Skills for Success13:20 Engaging Dyslexic Students in LearningRichard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system. Support the showSocial Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@abcparentingadultchildrenhttps://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerheadABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildrenFeel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of "The ABC's of Parenting Adult Children," host James Moffitt is joined by Deana Thayer, M.Ed., from Focus on the Family. Together, they explore the emotional journey and challenges parents face as they transition to an empty nest. Deana shares her personal experiences and offers valuable insights into maintaining a healthy parent-adult child relationship.Key Topics:The emotional impact of children leaving home Transitioning from authority to influence Setting boundaries with adult children The importance of intentional parentingGuest: Deana Thayer, M.Ed. - Marriage and Parenting Associate at Focus on the FamilyHashtags: #EmptyNest #Parenting #FamilyDynamics #FocusOnTheFamilyCall to Action: If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with others who might benefit from these insights. Visit our website at parentingadultchildren.org for more resources and past episodes.Richard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system. Support the showSocial Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@abcparentingadultchildrenhttps://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerheadABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildrenFeel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.
Send us Fan MailSummaryKeywordsparenting, adult children, boundaries, ADHD, anxiety, emotional regulation, single parenting, mental health, family dynamics, communicationSummaryIn this episode of the ABCs of Parenting Adult Children, host James Moffitt speaks with Zoe Kariakou, a licensed professional counselor and coach, about the complexities of parenting adult children. They discuss the challenges of navigating shifting family roles, the impact of ADHD and anxiety on high-functioning adults, the importance of setting boundaries, and the necessity of open communication. Zoe emphasizes the need for parents to allow their children to experience natural consequences and to resist people-pleasing tendencies, all while fostering emotional regulation and understanding in their relationships.TakeawaysZoe has a background in behavioral health and counseling.Parenting twins can be both challenging and rewarding.Single parenting involves a significant adjustment after divorce.High-functioning adults often mask their struggles with anxiety and ADHD.Setting boundaries is crucial in parent-adult child relationships.Anticipating others' emotions can lead to poor boundaries.Behavior can be interpreted as a form of communication.Parents must transition from authority figures to supportive mentors.Natural consequences are important for children's growth.Emotional regulation involves understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. sound bites"I wanted to help.""It takes a village.""Communication is essential."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Parenting Adult Children02:57 Zoe's Parenting Journey and Professional Background05:46 Understanding ADHD and Anxiety in High Functioning Adults08:48 The Importance of Setting Boundaries15:59 Reading Behavior as a Language18:12 Navigating Parenting Boundaries with Adult Children24:11 Resisting People-Pleasing Tendencies30:36 Tools for Emotional RegulationRichard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system. Support the showSocial Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@abcparentingadultchildrenhttps://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerheadABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildrenFeel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of ABC's of Parenting Adult Children, host James Moffitt speaks with Russell VanBrocklin, an expert in helping parents navigate the challenges of raising dyslexic children. Russell shares his personal journey with dyslexia and how it shaped his approach to education. He discusses the importance of focusing on a child's specialty, the craft of research, and innovative strategies to foster confidence and engagement in dyslexic learners. The conversation emphasizes the need for a tailored approach to education that prioritizes individual strengths and interests, ultimately leading to success in both academic and professional settings.Keywordsdyslexia, parenting, education, adult children, learning strategies, confidence, specialization, structured literacy, craft of research, engagementTakeawaysRussell's personal experience with dyslexia informs his approach to education.Dyslexic students often excel when focusing on their areas of interest.The craft of research is crucial for academic success.Engagement in a child's specialty can lead to significant improvements in learning.Structured literacy methods may not be as effective as tailored approaches.Parents can play a vital role in their child's educational journey.Dyslexic students need to be taught from specific to general concepts.Confidence in dyslexic children can be fostered through targeted strategies.The importance of passion in learning cannot be overstated.Older dyslexic students often learn faster than younger ones. https://dyslexiaclasses.com/ABCsofParentingRichard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system. Hello, James here !Please click on the subscribe button to gain access to premium episodes.Please go to parentingadultchildren.org website and sign up for the email list and leave a review for this episode. If you have any requests for future topics send me an email to TalkPAC@proton.mePlease share this podcast with your friends and family. Now for today's guest interviSupport the showSocial Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMoffitthttps://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerheadABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildrenFeel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of ABC's of Parenting Adult Children, host James Moffitt speaks with Nancy Pickard, an integrative life coach and author, about the complexities of parenting adult children. They discuss the importance of setting boundaries, the impact of generational trauma, and the necessity of self-care for parents. Nancy emphasizes the need for open communication and understanding in relationships with adult children, as well as the importance of healing one's own wounds to prevent passing them on to the next generation. The conversation offers valuable insights for parents navigating the challenges of raising adult children and maintaining healthy relationships.Richard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system. Hello, James here !Please click on the subscribe button to gain access to premium episodes.Please go to parentingadultchildren.org website and sign up for the email list and leave a review for this episode. If you have any requests for future topics send me an email to TalkPAC@proton.mePlease share this podcast with your friends and family. Now for today's guest interviSupport the showSocial Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMoffitthttps://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerheadABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildrenFeel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.
What do you do when your adult children become parents—and you don't agree with how they're raising their kids?In this Mental Freedom® Moment, Kim Olver explores one of the most emotional transitions in parenting: letting go of control while staying connected.If you've ever found yourself wanting to give advice, step in, or question your adult child's decisions, you're not alone. This episode looks at the deeper fears underneath those reactions—including the fear that doing things differently might mean you did something wrong.Through the lens of Mental Freedom®, Kim shares how to shift from control to connection, respect your adult child's role as a parent, and maintain strong relationships with both your children and grandchildren.You'll learn:Why parenting adult children requires a different mindsetHow unsolicited advice can impact your relationshipThe difference between safety concerns and simple differencesHow to replace control with curiosity and trustReflection Question:Where might I be trying to guide in a way that feels like control—and what would it look like to shift that into curiosity and respect?This episode is for parents, grandparents, and anyone navigating relationships with adult children.
Send a textKeywordsemotional development, parenting, resilience, children's emotions, mental health, emotional expression, parenting advice, emotional resilience, child psychology, family dynamicsSummaryIn this episode of ABC's of Parenting Adult Children, host James Moffitt speaks with Jacinta Field about the importance of emotional development and resilience in children. They discuss Jacinta's personal journey through healing and how it shaped her approach to parenting. The conversation covers practical advice for parents on how to model healthy emotional expression, the significance of validating children's feelings, and the myths surrounding children's emotions. Jacinta emphasizes the need for parents to take care of themselves and establish boundaries to foster a nurturing environment for their children. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that parents are enough just as they are, and that mistakes are part of the journey.TakeawaysEmotions are not the enemy; they are a natural part of life.Parents should validate their children's feelings instead of trying to fix them.Teaching children to express their emotions is crucial for their resilience.Tantrums are often a release of pent-up emotions, not just bad behavior.Children learn best when they are given responsibilities and independence.Modeling healthy emotional expression starts with parents being authentic.Self-care is essential for parents to avoid resentment and burnout.Creating a safe space for children to express themselves is vital.Understanding that children are our greatest teachers can change parenting dynamics.It's important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and that's okay. sound bites"Emotions are not the enemy.""Kids are our greatest teachers.""We all make mistakes; it's okay."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Emotional Development08:10 The Journey of Healing and Parenting14:40 Understanding Emotional Resilience22:28 Myths About Children's Emotions34:17 Modeling Healthy Emotional Expression42:36 Practical Steps for Parents45:45 Final Takeaway: You Are EnoughRichard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system. Hello, James here !Please click on the subscribe button to gain access to premium episodes.Please go to parentingadultchildren.org website and sign up for the email list and leave a review for this episode. If you have any requests for future topics send me an email to TalkPAC@proton.mePlease share this podcast with your friends and family. Now for today's guest interviSupport the showSocial Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMoffitt https://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerhead ABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildren Feel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.
Send a textKeywordsparenting, adult children, family coaching, relationships, faith, mentorship, restoration, entrepreneurshipSummaryIn this episode of ABC's of Parenting Adult Children, host James Moffitt speaks with family coach Troy Fink about the complexities of parenting adult children. They discuss the challenges parents face as their children transition into adulthood, the importance of shifting from a managerial role to a mentoring one, and the role of faith in navigating these changes. Troy shares personal experiences of restoring relationships with his children and emphasizes the need for parents to become the individuals God calls them to be in order to effectively guide their children. The conversation also touches on entrepreneurship and the lessons learned through parenting.TakeawaysAdulthood is confusing and nebulous for many parents.Transitioning from manager to mentor is crucial as children grow.Restoration of relationships takes humility, consistency, and time.Faith plays a significant role in parenting and personal growth.Parents must become who God is calling them to be.It's never too late to shift dynamics in relationships.Entrepreneurship can be a reflection of personal growth and parenting lessons.Children need both parents in their lives, regardless of circumstances.The importance of intentionality in parenting and mentoring.God's grace allows for new beginnings in parenting. sound bites"Adulthood is so nebulous.""You can start anew right now.""God can bring you full circle."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Parenting Adult Children02:02 Troy's Journey into Family Coaching03:07 Understanding Adulthood and Its Challenges09:32 Transitioning from Manager to Mentor11:24 Restoring Relationships with Adult Children20:23 Reflections on Parenting and Personal Growth24:45 Building a Strong Foundation in Marriage25:59 The Power of Redemption and Restoration27:05 Navigating Fatherhood and Mentorship29:32 The Importance of Self-Discipline in Parenting33:07 The Role of Fathers in a Child's Life40:07 Overcoming Family Court Challenges43:22 The Need for Male Role Models46:30 Becoming Who God Calls Us to Be49:41 Entrepreneurship and ParentingRichard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system. Hello, James here !Please click on the subscribe button to gain access to premium episodes.Please go to parentingadultchildren.org website and sign up for the email list and leave a review for this episode. If you have any requests for future topics send me an email to TalkPAC@proton.mePlease share this podcast with your friends and family. Now for today's guest interviSupport the showSocial Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMoffitt https://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerhead ABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildren Feel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.
Send a textWe most associate parenting with raising the young; but there is more to it. Parents have a key role for as long as they live, and the long view provides needed perspective for parents of all ages. John and Sofia discuss a practical approach to parenting adult children, highlighting what changes, and what doesn't.https://life-craft.org/
Mental Wealth, Leave a New LegacyIn this episode of Mental Wealth, Katie Halle Lambert and Laura Wood unpack why the empty nest transition can feel so destabilizing, even when we know it is healthy and expected. When daily motherhood shifts, it can stir up grief, anxiety, and big questions about identity and purpose.They explore the difference between normal sadness and true identity loss, and what healthy attachment with adult children really looks like. From managing anxiety to redefining your role, this conversation offers practical and emotional support for moms in this next season.If you are navigating the quiet house and wondering who you are now, this one is for you.Motherhood does not end here, it evolves.#EmptyNestMom #MentalWealthPodcast #ParentingAdultChildrenConnect with Laura: https://www.facebook.com/BenavieriConnect with Katie: https://www.facebook.com/KatieHalleLambertBrought to you by Team EvoAZ at eXp Realty and Benavieri Counseling.The information shared in this podcast is not intended to treat or diagnose a mental health or medical condition. Please consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988. This podcast is prerecorded.
In this episode of Everyone Dies, we explore the rising "epidemic" of family estrangement. We begin with a high-profile case study: Brooklyn Beckham's recent public declaration of "no contact" with his parents, David and Victoria Beckham. Using this as a jumping-off point, we examine the modern language of therapeutic boundaries and why more adult children are choosing to walk away. https://bit.ly/3P6DlUQIn this episode, we discuss:(02:09) The Reality of Rupture: A first-person account of a parent "shrinking" themselves and walking on eggshells for years before the final break.(10:08) Defining Ambiguous Loss: Understanding the psychological trauma of an ongoing loss that has no funeral and no clear closure.(17:37) Supporting the Estranged: Practical guidance for friends and family on what to say—and what not to say—to a parent living through this silence.(26:18) The Path Forward: Learn the importance of space, respecting boundaries, and the mindset required for potential long-term reconciliation.Whether you are a parent navigating the pain of a "no contact" request or a friend looking for the right way to offer support, this episode provides a compassionate, editorial look at one of the most difficult relational challenges of our time.Featured Resources:S6E45: When Closure Isn't Possible: How to Find a Way Forward Through Grief - Learn More about Ambiguous LossIf You Know an Estranged Parent, Please Read This by Rachel Haack (Thank you Rachel for letting us feature your work in this podcast)#AmbiguousLoss #FamilyEstrangement #GriefWithoutDeath #NoContact #EstrangedParents #EveryoneDiesPodcast #UnspokenGrief #ComplexGrief #MentalHealthAwarenessSupport the showGet show notes, images and resources at our website: every1dies.org. Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | mail@every1dies.org
Send a textKeywordsparenting, adult children, family healing, forgiveness, boundaries, trauma, faith, estrangement, relationships, spiritual growthSummaryIn this episode of ABC's Parenting Adult Children, host James Moffitt speaks with Reverend Cheryl Kincaid about the complexities of parenting adult children, particularly in the context of healing from trauma and fostering spiritual growth. They discuss the importance of forgiveness, setting boundaries, and the role of faith in navigating relationships with adult children. Cheryl shares her insights from her experiences as a foster parent and pastor, emphasizing the need for open communication, understanding, and the willingness to acknowledge past mistakes while building a hopeful future.TakeawaysParenting adult children requires understanding and compassion.Forgiveness is essential for healing in fractured families.Setting boundaries is crucial for healthy relationships.Faith can guide parents in releasing control while offering support.Acknowledging the past helps in building a new future.Open communication fosters connection and understanding.Trauma impacts parenting and relationships significantly.Estrangement can be healed with patience and love.Creating a sense of home involves accepting imperfections.Honesty and vulnerability strengthen family bonds.Sound bites"Love covers a multitude of sins.""You have to earn your own way back.""Honesty comes from our humanity."Chapters00:00 Exploring Family Healing and Spiritual Growth02:46 The Role of Forgiveness in Parenting05:23 Navigating Boundaries and Relationships08:21 The Importance of Confession and Vulnerability10:53 Understanding Generational Trauma13:57 Faith and Imperfection in Parenting16:31 Honesty and Healing in Family Dynamics19:16 Approaching Non-Faith-Based Perspectives21:57 Estrangement and Emotional Distance24:35 Creating a Sense of Home27:30 Forgiveness and Boundaries30:17 Lessons from Foster Parenting33:16 Final Thoughts on Parenting Adult ChildrenRev Kincaid is the author of six books: Hearing the Gospel Through Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, The Little Clay Pot The Little Candle that Was Frightened of the Dark, Karrie'sRichard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system. Hello, James here !Please click on the subscribe button to gain access to premium episodes.Please go to parentingadultchildren.org website and sign up for the email list and leave a review for this episode. If you have any requests for future topics send me an email to TalkPAC@proton.mePlease share this podcast with your friends and family. Now for today's guest interviSupport the showSocial Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMoffitt https://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerhead ABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildren Feel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.
Send a textKeywordsparenting, young adults, life transitions, mental health, financial literacy, college readiness, therapeutic consulting, adulting skills, boundaries, independenceSummaryIn this episode of ABC's of Parenting Adult Children, James Moffitt speaks with Joanna Lilly, a therapeutic consultant, about the challenges parents face in supporting their young adult children during significant life transitions. They discuss the importance of financial literacy, the difference between being college capable and college ready, and the necessity of teaching essential life skills. Joanna emphasizes the need for parents to set boundaries and create plans when their children face setbacks, such as dropping out of college. The conversation highlights the complexities of parenting in today's world and offers practical strategies for fostering independence and resilience in young adults.TakeawaysJoanna Lilly is a therapeutic consultant working with young adults.Parents need to support their children during life transitions.Financial literacy is crucial for young adults.There is a difference between being college capable and college ready.Teaching life skills is essential for independence.Setting boundaries is important for parents.Young adults need to contribute to household responsibilities.A gap year can be beneficial for mental wellness.Parents should have a plan if their child drops out of college.Resilience is key to navigating life's challenges.Sound bites"We need to be a little more positive.""It's important to have a plan.""Life is hard, it's difficult."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Parenting Adult Children03:16 The Role of a Therapeutic Consultant05:58 Navigating Life Transitions for Young Adults08:46 Understanding Financial Literacy11:26 Signs of Young Adults Needing Support14:30 Building Life Skills for Independence17:17 The Importance of Communication and Support20:11 Humor in Parenting Challenges26:13 Navigating Daily Responsibilities26:38 Understanding College Capable vs. College Ready32:04 The Role of Gap Years in Mental Wellness33:43 Rethinking the Necessity of a Four-Year Degree41:17 Addressing College Dropouts and Setting Expectations48:21Richard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system. Hello, James here !Please click on the subscribe button to gain access to premium episodes.Please go to parentingadultchildren.org website and sign up for the email list and leave a review for this episode. If you have any requests for future topics send me an email to TalkPAC@proton.mePlease share this podcast with your friends and family. Now for today's guest interviSupport the showSocial Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMoffitt https://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerhead ABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildren Feel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.
Send a textIn this episode, James Moffitt and Robert Hunt discuss the complexities of parenting adult children, emphasizing the importance of accountability, modeling behavior, and transitioning from a parent-child relationship to a mentoring role. They explore how parents can foster healthy communication, navigate differences in perspectives, and encourage personal growth in their children while maintaining their own accountability. The conversation highlights the significance of being present, understanding, and supportive as children navigate their own paths in adulthood.Richard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system. Hello, James here !Please click on the subscribe button to gain access to premium episodes.Please go to parentingadultchildren.org website and sign up for the email list and leave a review for this episode. If you have any requests for future topics send me an email to TalkPAC@proton.mePlease share this podcast with your friends and family. Now for today's guest interviSupport the showSocial Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMoffitt https://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerhead ABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildren Feel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.
Let us know what you think about the podcast!Episode 207 - Family Reactivity and Anxiety: Why Your Relationship Feels Stuck Do you feel stuck in painful cycles of family conflict and emotional reactions? Maybe you feel like you are walking on eggshells around your child. Or maybe your emotions take over, and you say things you later wish you had handled differently.In this episode of the Coaching Your Family Relationships Podcast, Tina Gosney, family conflict coach and family life educator, teaches you why reactivity is one of the biggest reasons family relationships stay tense, distant, or stuck, especially in parenting adult children relationships.You will learn:What family reactivity really looks like and why it is not always yelling or angerHow anxiety quietly fuels emotional distance from adult childrenWhy patterns from your family of origin get repeated unless you interrupt themHow one reactive person can set the emotional tone for the entire familyThe difference between reacting from anxiety and responding with emotional maturityThis conversation will help you understand why your adult child may be pulling away and what you can begin doing differently if you want to rebuild trust and create connection without control.This episode is your guide to creating emotional freedom—even if your family feels stuck in chaos right now. Tina Gosney is the Family Conflict Coach. She works with parents who have families in conflict to help them become the grounded, confident leaders their family needs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tinagosneycoaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinagosneycoaching ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tina is certified in family relationships and a trauma informed coach. Visit tinagosney.com for more information on coaching services.
Send Jay comments via textWhat if true closeness with your adult children has little to do with how far apart you are? This thought-provoking episode features writer and parent-mentor Joanne McHugh, creator of the insightful newsletter Things Your Mom Should Have Told You. Together, we explore the emotional journey of launching kids into the world—whether to veterinary school in London or chasing dreams amidst a pandemic in Manhattan—and uncover why intimacy thrives when we prioritize honesty over perfection.Joanne shares practical strategies for staying connected despite distance, emphasizing the power of small, consistent check-ins, voice notes, and photos that provide context and meaning. We discuss the transformative shift from “fixing” to adopting a peer-style mentor approach that respects your children's autonomy. Through relatable stories—like the significance of a spilled salad dressing or a cake-in-the-face wedding photo—Joanne illustrates how candid narratives can model resilience and invite your adult children to open up in return.Highlights & Key Takeaways:Redefining closeness: intimacy over proximity.Navigating parenting across cities and time zones.How storytelling teaches better than lecturing.Transitioning from a parental voice to a peer mentor role.Joanne McHugh's Bio: Joanne McHugh is on a mission to share all the things we should tell our kids about young adulthood. She created the weekly online newsletter "Things Your Mom Should Have Told You" to help 20-somethings navigate young adulthood. By speaking candidly about the ordinary struggles of adulthood, offering common-sense wisdom, and throwing in a few laughs, she hopes to help reduce anxiety about becoming a grown-up. Joanne also supports parents by offering insights on coping with the empty nest and finding renewed purpose by serving as on-call experts for their kids about “What to Expect While Adulting.”Find Joanne Online: Instagram, Facebook, WebsiteSupport the showBECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers Only Episode Shoutouts Thank You Emails Private Meet & Greets via Zoom + More ENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we'd appreciate your support greatly. LOVE THE SHOW?Get THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swagCONNECT WITH JAYEmail, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok
Labor Pains: Dealing with infertility and loss during pregnancy or infancy.
Parenting doesn't end when your child turns 18—it simply changes.In this deeply honest and heartfelt episode of Female Voices: Life & Loss, hosts Wayna Berry and Teresa Reiniger unpack the emotional, often unspoken realities of parenting adult children—from college drop-offs and strained communication to breaking generational patterns, letting go, and learning how to stay connected without controlling.Through personal stories, laughter, and vulnerable reflection, this episode explores how parenting evolves through every season: college years, adulthood, marriage, grandchildren,blended families, and the ongoing work of healing what was modeled before us. If you've ever wondered “Am I doing this right?”—this conversation is for you.Wayna Berry, licensed professional counselor and co-host of Female Voices: Life & Loss, brings clinical insight, humor, and real-life experience as a single mother navigating the evolvingrelationship with her adult son.Teresa Reiniger, grief coach, speaker, and co-host, shares her lived experience raising three daughters through every life stage—from college transitions to marriage and motherhood—while intentionally breaking generational cycles and modeling healthier emotional patterns.Together, they create a space where honesty meets compassion—and where growth is alwayspossible.Topics Discussed ● Parenting through the emotional shift from high school to college● How adult children pull away—and why it's often necessary● Breaking generational patterns (yelling, emotional distance, lack of support)● Letting go while still offering guidance and support● Navigating pride, embarrassment, and celebration as parents● Parenting adult children who are now parenting their own kids● Communication vs. control in adult parent-child relationships● Blended family dynamics and co-parenting challenges✨ Key Takeaways● Parenting never stops, but the role must evolve● Awareness is the first step to breaking generational cycles● Yelling may release stress—but it can shrink a child's spirit● Communication builds bridges where control creates distance● You can parent differently than how you were raised● Grace—for yourself and your children—is essential in every season
Let us know what you think about the podcast!Episode 206: Parenting Adult Children Today with Catherine HickemAre you parenting your adult children with the same mindset you had when they were little? It might be time for a shift.In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Catherine Hickem, a licensed therapist and founder of Parenting Adult Children Today. We talk about the emotional journey of parenting grown kids and why so many families are experiencing estrangement and emotional disconnection.Catherine brings decades of experience, both professional and personal, to this conversation. She shares her own heartfelt story of healing with her father, the powerful restoration that took place between them, and why she believes it's never too late to repair a family relationship.We cover:Why parenting adult children requires a different mindset than parenting younger kidsHow unconscious expectations can damage connectionThe role of fear, disappointment, and emotional reactivity in estrangementWhat it really means to “do your own work” as a parentHow emotional maturity and self-awareness create safety for adult childrenPractical first steps for shifting how you show up in your relationshipsThis episode is packed with wisdom and hope. If you've ever felt like you “did your best, but your child still won't talk to you,” or you're asking, “why won't my adult child talk to me?” this conversation will speak directly to your heart.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODECatherine's work at Parenting Adult Children TodayThe importance of emotional healing and growing self-awarenessThe idea that our success as parents isn't how our children turn out, it's how we show upThis is how you know if you need help with this…You're walking on eggshells around your adult childYou're carrying guilt, fear, or confusion about what went wrongYou feel like your adult child is pulling away and you don't know whyYou want to reconnect but don't know where to startYou find yourself stuck in anxiety, reactivity, or resentment Tina Gosney is the Family Conflict Coach. She works with parents who have families in conflict to help them become the grounded, confident leaders their family needs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tinagosneycoaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinagosneycoaching ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tina is certified in family relationships and a trauma informed coach. Visit tinagosney.com for more information on coaching services.
Parenting doesn't end when your kids turn 18. In many ways, it gets more complicated! Today Karen and Erin are joined by longtime parenting expert Jim Burns for a wise and honest conversation about parenting adult children. They talk about releasing control, shifting your role, navigating boundaries, resisting unsolicited advice, and discerning the difference between helping and enabling. Whether your kids are still at home, newly launched, or already raising families of their own, this episode will help you parent with clarity, peace, and long-term perspective.Episode Recap:Jim is the founder of Homeward Ministries (3:06)When our children become adults, we have to give up control (4:43)What does it look like to embrace a new “job description” as moms? (7:00)How can we offer wisdom to our adult children or do we just bite our tongues? (11:37)Resist the urge to become a “one topic” parent (13:15)What's the difference between helping your kids and enabling them? (15:45)How do we place good boundaries when adult kids move back in? (19:10)What does it mean to, “wear beige and keep your mouth shut?” (24:00)Can you cast vision for the grandparent years? (28:00)Continue this conversation on WT+ at the link below (32:00)Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV) – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”Discussion Questions: What part of parenting adult children feels most difficult for you right now? If you don't have adult children yet, what fears or worries do you have about that season of life?How can you shift from giving advice to asking permission before speaking?Is there an area where helping may have crossed into enabling dependency?What expectations need to be clearly communicated in your family right now?How can you focus on relationship building rather than behavior correcting?Resources:Listen to the rest of our conversation with Jim over on WT+: boaw.mom/insiderGrab a copy of Jim's new book, Doing Life With Your Adult ChildrenConnect with HomeWord Ministries onlineCheck out Jim's podcast and his recent episode on Long Distance GrandparentingCheck out our BRAND NEW Bible study: How To Teach Your Kids the BibleWant More of This Conversation?Wire Talk+ listeners get extended conversations every week! Today we go deeper into parenting wayward adult children, setting boundaries, and navigating complicated family dynamics.To become a Wire Talk+ Insider, head HERE and join us for the full conversation.
What is the first semester of college really like—from a freshman's point of view?In today's Community Conversation, I'm joined by my son, Aiden, as he reflects on his first semester of college. We talk honestly about the chaos, the growth, and the lessons learned during this big transition—for him and for us as parents.As moms, we often focus on how this season feels for us. This episode offers a rare look at what it feels like from the other side, and a reminder that growth is happening even when things feel messy or uncertain.Key Takeaways:The realities of the first few weeks of collegeWhy accountability is harder than expected—and what helpedMaking friends and finding your peopleLearning independence and self-advocacyHow faith provided grounding during overwhelming momentsWhat support from home helped most (and what didn't)Practical advice for parents navigating this seasonThis conversation is a reminder that letting go doesn't mean disconnecting. It's about learning when to step back, how to stay connected without controlling, and how to trust God with what we can no longer manage.If today's episode encouraged you, join my Simple Shifts newsletter for gentle encouragement, practical tools, and episode resources.
Send us a textWhat happens when the kids you raised in church no longer want anything to do with church as adults?In this episode of The FORGE Truth Podcast, Pete Alwinson and Jayson Quiñones tackle one of the most painful and common questions fathers face today. Why do so many adult children drift from faith, and what responsibility do dads still carry once their children are grown?This honest and pastoral conversation explores the role of fathers as spiritual leaders, the danger of outsourcing discipleship to the church, and the long game of parenting that does not end at eighteen. Pete and Jayson talk about consistency, humility, repentance, prayer, and how to engage adult children without guilt or control.If you are a dad wrestling with regret, fear, or confusion about how to lead your family spiritually, this episode offers wisdom, clarity, and hope rooted in the gospel.
In Part 2 of this heartfelt and practical series, Shelly continues her conversation with parent coach Diana Davidson — and this time, they're moving beyond the emotions of drop-off and diving into what actually happens next.Once the dorm room is set up and the goodbye tears dry, a brand-new season of parenting begins. The rhythms change, communication shifts, and the “How often should I check in?” questions start rolling in. And if you've ever struggled with things like Life360, texting boundaries, or knowing how to support your college student without hovering — you're not alone.Diana offers real-life strategies for navigating this new dynamic with confidence, peace, and connection. From communication rhythms to practical boundaries to fun creative ways to stay close across the miles, this episode gives you tools you can use today.Whether your student calls every day or hasn't texted you back all week, this conversation will help you build trust, stay grounded, and embrace this next chapter with intention.Key TakeawaysParenting from a distance requires a shift from manager to guide on the side.Every child has different communication rhythms — honor their personality, not someone else's.Before setting expectations, have a simple conversation: “What kind of communication feels good for you?”Boundaries create trust — and reduce anxiety on both sides.If Life360 causes stress or control, ask: Is this for my child or for me?Simple connection points (photos, pets, plants, playlists) can keep relationships warm without pressure.Your child grows when you give them space — and your confidence grows too.Links and ResourcesConnect with Diana: https://dianadavidsoncoaching.comDiana's free parent care package“They're in College… Now What?” free webinarJoin the Simple Shifts newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com Resources:Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shellyniehaus/Simple Shifts Newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/tipsWomen Entrepreneurs In Prayer Call - https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/prayer
One of the most challenging stages of parenting is transitioning to the empty-nest season, especially when our adult children make decisions we disagree with. Mary DeMuth guides us on this journey of finding joy regardless of our wayward adult kids, sharing practical and spiritual tips on how to stay connected with children who have left the Christian faith. Receive a copy of Love, Pray, Listen and an audio download of "Parenting Adult Children When They Walk Away from God" for your donation of any amount! Your Gift DOUBLES to Help Deliver Hope and Joy! Save 2X the marriages and families this Christmas with your life-changing gift today! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.
One of the most challenging stages of parenting is transitioning to the empty-nest season, especially when our adult children make decisions we disagree with. Mary DeMuth guides us on this journey of finding joy regardless of our wayward adult kids, sharing practical and spiritual tips on how to stay connected with children who have left the Christian faith. Receive a copy of Love, Pray, Listen and an audio download of "Parenting Adult Children When They Walk Away from God" for your donation of any amount! Your Gift DOUBLES to Help Deliver Hope and Joy! Save 2X the marriages and families this Christmas with your life-changing gift today! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.